When Were Paper Clips Invented?
Today, paperclips are a common office supply. But it was not until the industrial revolution and the ability to efficiently make and produce steel wire that paperclips came into being. The first paperclips began being used in the late 19th century. The paperclip most often used today soon followed with its creation at the turn of the century.
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The 'Cinch'
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In 1867, Samuel B. Fay patented the first bent wire clip to be used with fabric. Fay's clip, also known as the "Cinch" was intended to be used on paper and fabric instead of pins.
The First 'Paper' Clip
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In 1877, Erlman J. Wright was awarded a patent for his clip. Wright's clip was the first to be advertised for the sole use of clipping paper together.
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Modern Paperclip
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William D. Middlebrook is credited with creating the paperclip that is still the most common paperclip today. Middlebrook also invented the machine that makes paperclips. Middlebrook sold his inventions and their patents to the Cushman and Denison company.
Not the Same
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Johan Vaaler received a patent in Germany and the United States for a paper clip in the early 1900s. Vaaler is often falsely called the creator of the paper clip. Vaaler's invention had one less turn of wire and was less sturdy than Middlebrook's model.
Gem
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In 1904, Cushman and Denison obtained a trademark for the name of their paperclip. The new name for the paper clip was: "Gem." The Gem paperclip became the best selling paperclip and was advertised as the: "Only satisfactory devise for temporary attachment of all kinds of paper."
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